On July 16, 2024, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy convened leaders from the technology ecosystem to recognize the importance of technologists in government. This announcement celebrated nearly $100 million committed to advancing Public Interest Technology, including the work at Public Interest Technology – New England (PIT-NE).
Included in the fact sheet is the commitment from the Ford Foundation, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Pivotal, and Siegel Family Endowment of $200,000 to PIT-NE as they continue to develop a regional hub for PIT that will develop a responsible technology workforce through their cross-sector efforts. PIT-NE thanks each of these foundations for their support and dedication to bolstering cross-sector, responsible tech capacity.
PIT-NE is honored to be recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and to have Dr. Francine Berman from UMass Amherst attend the convening in Washington, DC on their behalf. PIT-NE plans to use these funds to expand their Impact Technology Fellowship program that supports undergraduate students as they develop projects for community partners and grow their PIT skills. Learn more about the 2024 Impact Technology Fellowship here.
Prior to this announcement, PIT-NE responded to the call for information about efforts to grow the culture of public service among technologists put out on June 14, 2024, with the following:
Public Interest Technology New England (PIT-NE) Impact Technology Fellowship Program
The U.S. workforce is sorely in need of expertise in the responsible use of AI and technology and a next generation who can address the challenges of creating, using, and managing information technologies to put the public interest first. Public Interest Technology New England (PIT-NE) is a consortium of academics, business leaders and community members focused on building skills, workforce and capacity in the New England region to promote the responsible use of technology and AI for the public good. This summer, PIT-NE piloted an Impact Technology Fellowship for 21 undergraduate students from around the New England region to work with the NAACP of Massachusetts, local government, a climate change non-profit, and other organizations to develop AI and technology solutions to societal problems. Following the program, 84% of the students indicated greater interest in pursuing a public interest-focused career when they enter the workforce. In this year’s pilot stage, over 140 students applied for the available slots. Next year, we are building funding and infrastructure to accommodate more students, more public-focused projects, and provide a greater focus on the responsible use of AI in the curriculum. More about the program can be found here.